Mummy-Baby Outing: Ikea Fun!

People often ask me what I do with Bubbles on the 2 weekdays a week I don't need to work. Taking her for outings is something I often make plans for.

I am now confident of taking her out on my own, having done so countless times since that very 1st Mummy-Baby outing. Till today, I still get awed comments from friends and even strangers who see me alone with her. However, I've realised that people generally fall into 2 camps: Those who think it is an admirably challenging task to be out alone with a baby, and those who don't think it is a big deal and see it as a perfectly normal thing for a mother to do. I am now somewhere in the middle on this.

For me, I think it is important for Bubbles to experience different places, see new things, and learn the first baby attempts at socialising with others. Thankfully, she thoroughly enjoys going out and would visibly show excitement when I put on her socks and shoes, and pop her in the stroller.

As tiring as it might be, every outing is also a learning and enjoyable experience for me. I learn more about my baby as I observe her taking in her surroundings and watching her responses to new things and people. I am thrilled when she is, and celebrate every magical moment with her. Sometimes in the midst of play, she would turn to look at me with a joyful smile, as if to say 'Mummy, did you see that? I'm having so much fun!', and my heart sings!

One of my favourite places to go is Ikea. Not for their Småland because she's still too small for that. (You need to be at least 90cm tall). Instead, I take her to the little play area in the middle of the restaurant where there are rolly and fiddly things on the walls to play with, and stuff under glass panels on the floor to look at. She can be in there for about 15-20 minutes (including watching other kids), before I take her to THE place to go - where Ikea kids' stuff are actually on display.

She explores the swings, swirly cocoon chairs, tents, tunnels, and bunk beds. There's plenty to crawl into, peer over, shake around, peep at, push and prod. It gets even more fun when other kids get into the action. Once, she chuckled so loudly when doing a roly poly in a soft hanging swing that a few people stopped by to see me scoop up my laughing baby :)

The only thing about being out alone with baby, is that it is often difficult to get decent photos. These here aren't good because I was hovering around trying to make sure she didn't roll off and thump her head in excitement!

We go to the Alexandra one too, and like Yuling, I always end up buying too much crap too. Haha. DD gets worried whenever I mention wanting to go to Ikea. Count me in if you gals decide to go! Poor Noey's been stuck at home a lot cos these days my free days are spent supervising contractors fixing up stuff at home...

mirrror:Oh the slides! And the ballroom :) I loved playing at Ikea as a kid too.

yuling + beanbean:We should go together! Bubbles will have to keep up with Noey and Lil Missy ;)

kelly:Wow you remember :) Yes I do agree that our confidence does grow. They also get easier as they get older and more mobile. I'm looking forward to the day Bubbles can walk so I don't need to carry her so much, or support her as she 'walks'!

Hello, I'm Corsage. I am a woman, a wife and a mother (of two) living in Singapore. You can read more about me here. I enjoy interacting with readers and am glad that you came by. Welcome to this space!